Operation Deer Watch Launches Aug. 1 Wisconsinites Collect Scientific Data To Inform Deer Management

 

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will launch Operation Deer Watch on Aug. 1, allowing citizen scientists around Wisconsin to report deer sightings in their area, which provides crucial data for deer management.

Participation in Operation Deer Watch is simple, requires no registration and can be done using a computer or mobile device. DNR researchers ask participants to report deer sightings, including bucks, does and fawns, between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30 via an easy-to-use online form.

Data collected provides insights into the reproductive status of Wisconsin's deer herd and helps shape deer management for the state.

Many participants carry a printable tally sheet with them in the car to record sightings and then enter their results online later. For safety, participants should only record sightings when their vehicle is stopped, not while driving.

"This is a fun and useful opportunity for everyone to enjoy Wisconsin's plentiful wildlife," said Brian Dhuey, DNR Wildlife Population And Harvest Assessment Specialist. "The DNR encourages everyone interested in deer, from hunters and trappers to outdoor enthusiasts, to take part."

County Deer Advisory Councils also use data from the survey to develop deer season framework, harvest quotas and permit level recommendations.

Learn more about Operation Deer Watch by visiting the DNR webpage here.

Minnesota Deer Notes

Deer hunting season details available

Ready to plan ahead for the fall? Check out the details for the 2021 season in the Minnesota Hunting and Trapping regulations handbook, now available on the DNR website. Printed copies of the handbook will be delivered to hunting license vendors the first week of August.

Hunting licenses go on sale Sunday, Aug. 1. You can buy your license at any DNR license agent, by telephone at 888-665-4236, or online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense.

Archery deer season opens S

Saturday, Sept. 18, and firearms deer season opens Saturday, Nov. 6. Find out more on the deer hunting page.

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Deer bag limit name changes Bag-limit labels have been changed to make the limits clearer: "Lottery" is now "antlerless permit lottery" (one-deer limit) "Hunter choice" is now "either-sex" (one-deer limit) "Managed" is now "two-deer limit" "Intensive" is now "three-deer limit" "Unlimited antlerless" is now "five-deer limit" "Bucks only" remains the same, with the one-deer limit. Areas that were previously under an unlimited antlerless bag limit are now a five-deer limit.

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Early antlerless season expands

The DNR has expanded the early antlerless deer season, Oct. 21-24, to include more deer permit areas in central and southeastern Minnesota. The season increases opportunities for hunters in areas where deer populations are above population goals or where there is an increased risk of chronic wasting disease spreading. Permit areas open during the hunt are 213, 214, 215, 221, 227, 236, 277, 341, 342, 343, 604, 605, 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 655 and 701. Early antlerless permits go on sale Aug. 1.

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Check your deer permit area boundary Several deer permit area boundaries in southwest and northeast Minnesota have changed based input from the public, tribal communities and DNR staff. The permit areas affected are: 169, 171, 173, 179, 184, 197, 237, 259, 275, 276, 277, 281, 282, 283 and 295. Changes are depicted on the 2021 Deer Season Area Map and hunters should double-check the boundaries of any permit areas where they plan to hunt, as well as bag limits in those areas. Key CWD changes for the 2021 season Mandatory sampling of deer harvested in chronic wasting disease zones will resume this year during the opening weekends of both firearms A and B seasons. The names of the zones are simplified to three tiers: management zone, control zone and surveillance zone.  The surveillance zone has expanded following detections of the disease in wild and captive deer, adding deer permit areas 110, 184, 197, 233 and 342, and a portion of deer permit area 169. Late chronic wasting disease hunts are scheduled for Dec. 17-19 and Dec. 31-Jan. 2; additional details will be posted on the DNR website closer to hunt dates. Check out the regulations book (PDF) and the webpage for more information. Apply for special youth deer hunts Minnesota has special hunting opportunities for youth deer hunters. There is a limited number of permits for each hunt, with the individual hunts taking place on various dates during the fall in state parks and a national wildlife refuge. Adults must accompany youth during these hunts. Hunters may apply for special youth hunt permits through Friday, Aug. 20. Special youth deer hunts are different from the statewide youth deer season that does not require an application and takes place Oct. 21-24. Deer population goals released Results of the second year of deer population goal-setting are now available online. This year focused on portions of southwest and northeast Minnesota. Thank you to those of you who participated in the virtual engagement options this year! Next year will focus on deer permit areas in the northeast, north-central and southeast portions of the state (noted in green in the map) and will start later this winter. Stay tuned for details of when and how you can provide your input for those areas and check out the deer populations and goals webpage for more information. Webinar: How to get certified in firearms safety Do you know someone who wants to go hunting this fall? Join a chat with DNR conservation officers officers at noon Wednesday, Aug. 4, to discuss Minnesota hunter safety requirements, including how to get certified in firearms safety. The webinar is part of the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series that aims to give participants quick, relevant information on upcoming seasons and events, and skills to help enjoy these opportunities. Registration is free. Feeding ban reminder Feeding and attractant bans are critical in limiting the spread of chronic wasting disease in wild deer. Due to the detection of CWD in Beltrami county, the deer feeding ban is expected to expand to include Beltrami County and neighboring counties this fall. Currently there are deer feeding or attractant bans in the following counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Olmsted, Pine, Pope, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Stearns, Steele, Todd, Wabasha, Wadena, Washington and Winona. Learn more about what you need to do to help our wild deer, and the difference is between feeding and attracting deer, on the deer feeding ban webpage.